2010 Fantasy Football Rankings: Running Backs <br> By Steve Strange

By Steve Strange. Steve Strange, a graduate of Penn State's Center for Sports Journalism in 2006, is currently writing Fantasy is Reality, a book geared around the commissioner aspect of fantasy sports. Steve has been playing fantasy sports of all sorts and sizes since 1997. Feel free to e-mail Steve questions and comments at tater_872003@yahoo.com.

These 2010 Fantasy Football Running Back Rankings will be updated often throughout the summer, so make sure you check back from time to time. Also, be sure to check out the other 2010 Fantasy Football articles, which will include sleepers, busts, tons of 2010 Fantasy Football mock drafts and other material.

Chris Johnson, RB, Titans. Bye: 9.
Well, Chris Johnson had a pretty good fantasy season in 2009. He gained an NFL-record 2,509 yards from scrimmage. He led all rushers with 2,006 yards on the ground, and scored 16 touchdowns. Congratulations if you knifed those numbers in the second round.

What to Like: Touchdown hog LenDale White is gone, Vince Young's not an accurate passer, and Jeff Fisher's a good enough coach to correctly utilize Johnson's greatness. As if electric talent isn't enough, Johnson even has the fantasy intangibles on his side.

Concern: He's 5-11 and 200 pounds, and there's concern about how his size will hold up. Don't worry: He's only 24, and his frame served him well last season.

Adrian Peterson, RB, Vikings. Bye: 4.
"I wish every day was Sunday," just like Adrian Peterson says in the State Farm commercials. That way we could watch this thoroughbred run every day of the week.

What to Like: Peterson's a sculpted machine who enjoys hurting defenders. His chilling blend of speed, power, agility and elusiveness makes him hard to cleanly tackle.

Concern: Peterson led all running backs with six fumbles last season.

X-Factor: The Vikings traded up in the second round to land bulldozer Toby Gerhart. I'm in the minority, but I feel Gerhart will steal touchdowns as the goal-line back. Why would the Vikes go out of their way to get a short yardage specialist, and then not use his best attribute? Peterson's catches will see a spike, however, with receptions-vacuum Chester Taylor in Chicago.

The only things that can slow Peterson down are coaching mismanagement and injuries.

Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Steelers. Bye: 5.
I watch every second of every Steelers game, and Rashard Mendenhall is the real deal. His legs are fresh, fast and elusive.

What to Like: Steelers are going old-school Barry Foster/Bam Morris style while Ben is out. The Rooney's were publicly campaigning to run more before the Roethlisberger alleged sexual assault saga unfolded. With Ben suspended, and Willie Parker and Santonio Holmes gone, Mendenhall is the undisputed dynamic player in the Steelers offense.

Concern: Mendenhall was benched in Week 3 of last season for not knowing his playbook. That was less than a year ago.

X-Factor: Maurkice Pouncey should be able to step right in and play guard. He'll help solidify an underrated offensive line.

Mendenhall is a key member of a talented offense that needs to run the football. He has the skill to produce big time numbers.

LeSean McCoy, RB, Eagles. Bye: 8.
When talent meets fantasy opportunity, the results are usually good. LeSean McCoy has the potential to be a top-five back next year if things go right.

What to Like: Andy Reid calls plays that dink and dunk the ball to the running back. Those who had fantasy legend Brian Westbrook know how valuable the running back slot in Philly's offense can be. McCoy is the unquestioned starter.

Concern: McCoy is only 22 years old. In his rookie season he rushed for 637 yards. If you take McCoy, you're gambling on upside.

X-Factor: I remember watching McCoy run for the Pitt Panthers. He carved West Virginia up a few Thanksgivings ago, and it was obvious he'd be running on Sundays.

Academics were a problem for McCoy in college, and his pass blocking has been questioned. High-risk/high-reward picks are fun.